THE YOUNG talent of Melbourne’s defence was showcased on Saturday night, as the Demons sealed a 13-point win over Gold Coast.

Following the win over the Suns at Metricon Stadium, experienced defender Steven May said he couldn't be prouder of the work put in by the likes of Jake Bowey and Trent Rivers.

“I love the way that they’ve developed and the way they want to get better every week,” May told Melbourne Media.

“They’re just so hungry.”

Bowey reached a career high of 34 disposals and provided integral run off halfback to help Melbourne hold on to the lead.

“Bowey certainly had a couple of challenges tonight, he had a couple of knocks but fought out a hard win,” May said.

 “[He] just couldn’t get away from the ball, he had one of his best games.”

Rivers worked alongside Bowey and May in the backline, returning to play his first AFL game of 2022 after a short stint of the sidelines with a knee injury. 

“Rivers knew the team needed him, he passed all his fitness tests,” May said.

“For a young player to pass the fitness tests but then come in and perform, I’m extremely proud of him.”

Melbourne may have walked away with the four points on Saturday night, but the game wasn’t without its challenges, May explaining the pressure felt from the home side. 

“It was certainly very hot out there,” May said.

“They’re a really tough, hard running team, they certainly wanted to take it up to us.

“We knew the fight was going to be on in terms of the contest, but I thought the guys were brilliant in the way they absorbed everything the Suns threw at us.

“We were able to get the game back on our terms.”  

Hear more from May below.